England Test captain Ben Stokes on Friday said that he will undergo surgery after the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 to address his ongoing knee issue.
Stokes’ knee has been a long-term problem. He hasn’t been able to bowl and is playing only as a batter for England during the World Cup in India.
The Ben-Stokes led England have endured a horror World Cup campaign so far and they face arch-rivals Australia on Saturday before playing their last league match against Pakistan on 11 November.
After this World Cup, England will return to India for a five-match Test series, starting on 25 January and star all-rounder is hopeful to be fit by then.
“There was a lot of time put into deciding when to get it done. Obviously the India Test series which we start at the end of January, I should be fine to go by then,” Stokes was quoted as saying by BBC.
The 32-year-old Stokes has been hampered by his knee issue throughout recent years. However, he has always refused to reveal the exact nature of the injury.
The England Test captain has not bowled since 1 July – day four of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. The left-hander said he hoped the operation would allow him to play a full role as an all-rounder in the future.
“It’s been a big hindrance on me and affected what I can do for the team,” said Stokes.
“Obviously bowling is what I want to be doing. You’d hope it means that I can get back to doing what I’ve been known for, which is playing a role as a batter, and playing a role as a bowler as well,” he added.
Talking about the World Cup campaign, Stokes said England still had a “lot to play for,” adding that games against Australia are “always a big occasion”.
“We’ve had a disastrous World Cup and there’s no point sugar-coating that because it’s the truth. The biggest thing we’ve got to play for is obviously the pride of what it is to put the three Lions on your chest,” he said.
